From a statistical methodological standpoint, criticizes research by Hicks, Langham, and Takenaka, which found significant differences in behavioral and intelligence measures between children with different time periods of participation in the National Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. (GC)

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) was authorized by Congress under Title V of the Older Americans Act to provide support for part time jobs for older, low income men and women. The program was threatened with defunding in 1981, but lobbying efforts were able to rescue it. (Author/AOS)

The author reviews the history of federal input in special education and cites the Reagan administration's attempts to decrease funding for special education services. Senator J. Randolph's beliefs about the need for a strong federal role is noted. (CL)

This overview of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act describes governing legislation, administrative structure, planning approach, delivery system, and funding. (SK)

Examines federal activities to promote mental health and prevent mental illness; reviews types and targets of intervention programs; examines the adequacy of the current knowledge base for prevention programs; and presents basic principles underlying current prevention/promotion activities of the National Institute of Mental Health. (Author/MJL)

Excerpts from a speech by Jean Tufts, Assistant Secretary, Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, address trends in the administration's approach to special education, including the formation of the Foundation for Educational Assistance, and changes in regulations and funding for P.L. 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act.…

Summarizes the first phase of a federally funded study of 157 clearinghouses that store data on human services. Factors addressed include the tasks of a clearinghouse, its potential for overlap, its relationship to its parent organization, the types of product and services it provides, and how it uses its database. (FM)

Discusses how recent changes in federal policies have adversely affected cities. Modifications of the state block grant system, tax laws, reductions in federal support for welfare programs, and a massive federal debt have all hurt urban economies. (AM)

The oversupply of faculty in particular academic disciplines is an increasing problem. Several solutions to the consequences of this oversupply are outlined: increased use of these people by the educational institution; reduced supply; or alternative uses of presently employed faculty, such as through the Intergovernmental Personnel Act.…

Summarizes some past and current entrepreneurship initiatives that have taken place at the federal level, focusing on the role of vocational education. (CT)

Describes youth unemployment in the United States and outlines major aspects of the Youth Employment and Demonstrations Project Act of 1977. Cites illustrations of demonstrations authorized by the program and discusses the role that research, evaluation, and experimentation play in youth initiatives. (Author/GC)

The jobless rates of participants in the federal food stamps program and in the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program greatly exceeded national averages in 1976; the majority of recipients were outside of the labor force. (BM)

Describes the development of a prototype database of federal food, agriculture, and nutrition programs: preliminary work; database design, including the identification of data elements; and data collection and processing. The uses of the database and suggestions for enhancing its future usefulness are discussed. (Author/JD)

Concludes that the Department of Education reflects an absence of new ideas about what ails education and that its establishment is merely symbolic action. (IRT)

A former MDTA and CETA project coordinator describes the goals and frustrations accrued during several years' field experience with funded programs. He recommends a redirection of CETA back toward a vocational and occupational training emphasis. This would serve to enlarge the skills and competencies of those covered by the program. (CT)